Best Music Streaming Services 2022: Free Access to Hi-Res Audio

A time ago, for listening to good quality music, it was necessary to buy a CD, or download an MP3 file.

Thankfully, this has changed recently, and companies have started high-resolution music streaming services, which offer convenience and audio quality to all music lovers. And this technology has given us a much more convenient way to enjoy - lossless and hi-res music - through streaming music services.

It implies that the upcoming year, 2022, is the year of lossless music. Now, we no more need to take out the record player or CD player for listening to high-quality audio. Because the essence of a lossless streaming music app says that we do not need any physical media and we no longer even have to download files to our computer or phone.

In last one decade, industry which relate to music, like music companies, music devices (Ipod, walkman), CD, DVD player, radio has changed a lot. The current time is of music apps and streaming services. Less number of people use portable device like CD/DVD devices.

Read More - Portable Music Devices VS Music Apps

And, with access to tens of millions of tracks with a few clicks, we can hunt down our favorite brand new songs along with artist names through the Internet or a mobile network.

But - Is there any cost? Do we have to pay for hi-res audio? Which companies are offering free streaming services? Where can we stream free hi-res music?

Well, some services offer free streaming music services while others set monthly subscription fees after free trials for weeks/months to provide access to hi-res content. And, the true fact is that no one even wants to sacrifice quality.

Since Apple has introduced lossless and hi-res tracks to music lovers without charging extra, many streaming apps such as Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and Deezer have made their subscriptions cheaper. What could be a more exciting moment this time for music lovers like us?

So, if you have a thirst for audiophile-quality sound, read this guide to find out - which are the best free music streaming services?

What Is Hi-Res Audio?

In general, “Hi-Res Audio” is generally used to define any digital audio file or format that exceeds the quality of an audio CD. Generally, CDs are 16-bit with a 44.1 kHz sample rate.

Hi-Res audio files typically use a sampling rate of either 96 kHz or 192 kHz at 24 bits, but 88.2 kHz and 176.4 kHz files are also acceptable.[ref]

Sampling frequency refers to the number of times samples of the signal are taken per second during the analog-to-digital conversion process. The more bits there are, the more accurately the signal can be measured in the first instance. Hence, getting 24bit instead of 16 bit is a noticeable leap in quality.

The Digital Entertainment Group [1] (DEG), the Consumer Electronics Association [2] (CEA), and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences[3], in collaboration with record companies, have developed a formal definition of high-quality audio - "Lossless audio is capable of reproducing the full range of sound recordings that have been derived from music sources superior to CD quality."

There are several hi-res audio file formats, each of which supports the above sampling rates and bit depths. These include FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec), both of which are compressed but theoretically lossless. Other formats include WAV, AIFF, DSD, and the more recent MQA (Master Quality Authenticated).

The goal of hi-res audio is lossless audio. This means that a music file retains all the information provided in the original studio recording process.

What Is Different About Hi-Res Audio Files?

Obviously, the most attributed advantage of the hi-res standard is its superior sound quality compared to compressed audio formats.

The top music streaming sites like Amazon and iTunes, and streaming app services like Spotify download music in compressed file formats with relatively low bitrates - such as 256kbps AAC files on Apple Music and 320kbps Ogg Vorbis streams on Spotify.

Using lossy compression files means utilizing more data for an encoding process. As a result, you might have to sacrifice convenience and end up with smaller file sizes. This further leaves a bad effect on the sound quality as it might hinder the process of listening to your favorite songs. That's where audiophiles and music lovers need something good. And this is where the hi-res audio streaming apps play a major role.

To know the fact that - why is it better than MP3 and other formats, let's compare the relative bitrates. The maximum bitrate of MP3 is 320kbps, whereas a 24-bit/192kHz file works on a 9216kbps bit rate. However, music CDs have a 1411kbps bit rate.[ref]

However, hi-res 24-bit/96 kHz or 24-bit/192 kHz files are capable of delivering sound quality more similar to that of musicians and audio technicians in a recording studio. And, with more data, hi-res audio tracks deliver significantly more detailed and textured sound quality, close to a live concert.

Here we are going to mention some amazing benefits of hi-res audio files:

• Greater Bandwidth
• Improved Timing Resolution
• Reduce Filtering Demands
• Greater Dynamic Range, Lower Noise

Music lovers are turning to hi-res audio files in demand for listening to high-quality music. Even its increasing bit depth improves the dynamic range, which gives us a greater breadth of things to actually heat from the recording.

Let’s explain the difference with an example - watching the countryside scene on a sunny day through a smeared window is known as the MP3 version. By cleaning the window, you have the CD version with clear and greater sound quality. However, opening the window and watching the scene with naked eyes, where you can focus on every pinpoint detail is called the hi-res audio version.

1. Hi-Res audio is a viable choice for anyone interested in audio quality.
2. Containing features like Podcasts, unlimited free storage are a plus.
3. With streaming apps, listeners can easily tune into their favorite songs with ease.
4. Have a friendly interface with simple uploading and file managing systems.
5. Has superior sound quality over compressed audio formats such as MP3 and AAC.
6. Support multi-crossed platform support and maintain lossless music quality.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s download our favorite hi-res streaming music or app and start listening to music at unprecedented levels of enjoyment. Be ready to make emotional connections you have never imagined before.

Best Hi-Res Music Streaming Services

Well, hi-res files eat tens of megabytes in size, and few tracks can quickly cover the storage on your device. What could be more stressful than this? Thankfully, we can now store these files with the help of streaming apps.

Now, you might be wondering which would be best! Worry not, we make this easy for you. The following section contains details about the best music streaming services that do not only make smooth connections with hi-res audio files but also save the devices’ storage data.

Amazon Music Unlimited

Amazon Music is perfect for Amazon Prime users, offering 2 million tracks for free, making it available across multiple platforms. What’s more?

Recently, Amazon has included its Amazon Music HD library as part of Amazon Unlimited at no additional cost. However, if you are not a prime member, you need to pay $9.99 to get a custom Amazon Music Unlimited subscription. Otherwise, you can switch your mood for as little as $7.99/month for a massive more than 60 million track collection with a CD-quality bitrate of 16 bit/44.1kHz plus millions more in 24 bit and up to 192kHz.

And, the good part is - it is compatible with smartphones and tablets via Android and iOS apps, plus PCs and Macs via its web player or desktop app. Even, the service is tightly integrated with Alexa, the experience of which can be used to control playback and find new music. In addition, it also offers a lossless audio option in the Music HD service that provides high-definition audio.

Benefits:

• Cheapest per month (for Amazon Prime users).
• Various playlists.
• Special offers for Amazon Prime members.
• Music catalog of 50 million songs.

Media Leap

Media Leap is a personal cloud music locker and streaming app that provides free storage space up to 1TB to store lossless music audios. It is also the best music streaming app for Android and iOS. The app supports various music file formats like MP3, OGG, and FLAC, which creates a greater difference for music streaming.

Its pricing plan differs from free services to monthly and yearly plans. The app allows creating a locker service that can be accessed from anywhere. This is also the best app for streaming music in offline mode, where you can listen to music without an internet connection.

Benefits:

• Low price for music storage and streaming.
• Bigger library size of 1TB free space to satisfy the need for locker creation.
• The best sound quality that allows access to Hi-Fidelity music.
• Allowing and accommodating multiple devices by offering family plans.
• Offline music listening facility that gives you access to millions of tracks.
• For quality music streaming, it is a must that the app must be compatible with all the devices (Android and iOS). We have ensured the compatibility of the app on all devices.

Tidal

Tidal sets itself apart from other popular music streaming services based on its hi-res audio, which is designed for music lovers who prefer great audio quality even if they have to pay a little more. The 10kbps audio costs $ 320 per month, and lossless 24-bit 1411kbps costs $ 20 per month.

This best online music service does not contain a huge library like other apps - Apple Music, or Amazon Music. However, the focus point is that it offers greater sound quality than a lot of songs or a user-friendly interface.

While Tidal claims to offer all sorts of music genres, you most likely won't find metal bands there. However, hip-hop and R&B pop are on this music streaming service. So, if you're a fan with specific high-definition audio requirements, you should opt for Tidal.

Benefits:

• Exclusive content from artists.
• Includes video content and live broadcasts.
• Excellent sound quality.

Apple Music

Maybe you are an Apple user and totally immersed in Apple’s ecosystem! That’s why Apple brings millions of songs at competitive costs of $9.99/month or $99/year for individuals. There’s a $4.99 per month student deal, while a family membership covering up to six people costs $14.99 per month.

Soon, Apple will announce its new subscription tier before the end of 2021 that only works via voice control with different plans. Users can play their favorite songs through the Apple Music app and also offer access to premium offerings, such as Spatial Audio, Lossless Audio, Lyrics, and music videos.

The app has a simple and easy-to-navigate interface whether you are using the desktop or mobile app. Even the users can curate their favorite song playlists, plus the app serves up useful and intelligent recommendations. It has a more than 70 million-strong catalog. It is available in CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) with 20 million songs available in hi-res (24-bit/48-192kHz) at launch.

Benefits:

• Synchronizes the iTunes library with the application.
• Suggestions from music experts.
• Huge selection of music (over 60 million tracks).
• Synchronized lyrics.

VOX Music Player

VOX Music Player is another best free music streaming app for all music lovers who prefer to enjoy music at the artist level. Without losing the actual bandwidth of hi-res audio files, everyone can enjoy the high-definition lossless audio to iPhone and iPad.

Available at no cost in the App Store, the application lets you enjoy high-quality music encoded in the lossless FLAC format on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. VOX Premium is available by auto-renewable subscriptions that are $4.99 per month and $49.99 per year.

VOX is also available for free for Windows, Mac, and iPhone. Its Android version is still on the way.

The Vox MP3 and FLAC Music Player app is known as the “Best Overall” alternative to iTunes due to the basic, free version of the app. It offers a sleek interface, and the ability to play a wide variety of audio formats (MP3, FLAC, M4A, APE, WAV, etc.). It supports hi-res audio with 192kHz sound resolution.

Benefits:

• Play numerous lossy and lossless (FLAC, APE, WAV, DSD, etc.)
• Stunning cloud streaming features and unlimited music storage without a decline in quality.
• No audio losses, pure sound. High-resolution music gives you the cleanest audio path to your favorite artists.

Deezer

Deezer is also recognized as the most popular streaming app among others due to 360 Reality Audio Tracks. This is a format that uses Sony audio technology to deliver full 360-degree audio playback.

It allows users to experience the sound as in a recording studio or at a live concert. However, this feature is only available to Deezer subscribers for $9.99/month at the Hi-Fi tier. The app is available for both Android/iOS apps.

Deezer’s library contains more than 55 million songs in different genres, including jazz and classical rock. The searching criteria with the Deezer app are relatively easy, as editors can constantly update playlists with new songs tailored to the user's preference.

What's more? The music streaming service also offers podcasts. So, are you looking for a reliable music streaming service? Deezer is the only reliable choice for you.

Benefits:

• Intuitive interface.
• CD-quality audio resolution.
• Supports a range of devices.
• Free version (ad-supported).

YouTube Music

The music streaming market is fully-fledged with services like Spotify and Apple Music. However, YouTube Music has also collected huge popularity among a wide range of audiences. It offers free services along with visual content.

Before YouTube music, google had a music app service named Google Play music, which is no longer available now. YouTube Music replaced it. Because a vast number of people in world use YouTube for entertainment purpose. That may be a reason google lunched YouTube Music because there users already using YouTube platform.

Read More: Google Play Music Alternative

If you would like to go for an ad-free option, you should choose the Premium Plan at $9.99/month. Student and family packages are $4.99 and $14.99 per month, respectively.

Benefits:

• Versatile search functions.
• Free version available.
• Excellent integration with Google services.

Is There Any Difference Lies in the Sound Quality Between Different Streaming Services?

If you dig a little deeper, it becomes clear that different streaming services offer different sound quality, and sometimes this difference can be enormous.

But here we need to understand the nuances of the quality of music playback. For example, if you only listen to it while traveling on public transport or while walking around the city, the sound quality may fade into the background. But if you like to listen to your favorite songs in silence, at home, or in the office, the signal sent to you must be of the highest possible quality.

It should also be borne in mind that different services use different formats for storing music files, with different bit rates and dynamic ranges. Each streaming service tries to make the quality of the music played as good as possible.

Therefore, if we turn to the technical features of storing and transferring music, we will see that the services differ from each other. That is why it is important to understand what service and under what conditions is able to satisfy your requests.

Let's Enjoy Hi-Fi Music!

We have mentioned the best online music streaming services in 2021 for the music enthusiast.

Unfortunately, picking a music streaming service is a daunting task for music lovers and artists. However, nothing is impossible until you pay full attention and time to explore more about such services. After all, it is about staying tuned to Hi-Fi music - does not matter where you are.

Above all, the path of choosing appropriate music streaming services also depends on musical tastes, personal budget, and lifestyle. So, do not forget to consider that.

And, if you are one of those who require personalized cloud storage locker services, Hi-Fi music services, and access to music without the internet, Media Leap is here for you, a personal streaming music service app for every user.

So, if you want the ultimate solution, you know what to do and where to go.